SB 649 - This act requires that after July 1, 2009, all newly built or substantially renovated state buildings larger than 5,000 square feet must meet the silver rating level of green building certification under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)Green Building Rating System. The Department of Natural Resources shall promulgate rules for this requirement. Beginning July 1, 2015, at least 10% of the electricity used by state buildings must come from renewable energy sources and beginning July 1, 2025, at least 20% of the electricity used by state buildings must come from renewable energy sources.
This act allows a tax credit for taxpayers who construct a green building or modify an existing structure into a green building. A green building is defined as a building that is designed to achieve integrated systems design and construction so as to significantly reduce or eliminate the negative impact of the built environment in a number of different ways including water conservation, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and indoor environmental quality and human health.
The tax credit consists of three components: the green whole building component; the green base building component; and the green tenant space component. An applicant may receive a tax credit for each eligible component satisfied by the applicant's project.
Prior to construction, a taxpayer may apply for a preliminary certification for a green building tax credit from the Department of Economic Development. If the Director of the Department of Economic Development determines that the construction or renovation meets requirements of the tax credit program, the director may issue a final certification upon completion of construction.
The green building tax credit has an annual aggregate cap of one million dollars. Green building tax credits are refundable and fully transferable. The Department of Economic Development must promulgate rules one hundred and twenty days after the effective date of this act to determine the amount of green building tax credits available to any one taxpayer based upon the size of the building, the level of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating achieved by the building (silver, gold, or platinum) and whether the project is located in an economic development area.
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education shall provide grants to public school districts to assist schools obtain LEED certification for new building construction or substantial renovation projects. Preference for the grants shall be given to schools that are designed to function as community centers of learning and to schools that incorporate sustainability concepts into their teaching. The total amount of grants that may be awarded per year shall not exceed $500,000.
Green building design courses approved by the Missouri Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Professional Land Surveyors and Landscape Architects shall be allowed to be used in meeting the continuing education requirements for architects, landscape architects, and professional engineers. For interior designers, one college course credit in green building design shall count as one continuing education credit.
The act creates the Office of Sustainability within the Department of Natural Resources. The Office shall assist other state agencies comply with the renewable energy requirements and green state building requirements. The Office shall also provide technical assistance to local governments, businesses, schools, and homeowners on renewable energy use and green building design and construction.
ERIKA JAQUES